Why Jog when you can Plog?

Why Jog when you can Plog?

By Revathie Dhanabalan

April 13, 2018

You're running the same route, at the same time, listening to the same songs - it is all starting to get a little routine and boring. For some runners, boredom is a pretty common problem that they go through - it all starts getting a little too déjà vu. Boredom also means less motivation, which means you are less likely to give your best.

Image Credit: @majatesch / via instagram.com

So, how do you keep your run fresh and interesting? For every kilometre that passes by, why not pick up trash along the way? Plogging is a new fitness craze from Sweden that helps you stay in shape while being environmentally conscious. The term 'plogging' - is a mash up of jogging and the Swedish "plocka upp", meaning pick up.

Image Credit: @helenateodora / via instagram.com

Plogging first gained popularity in Scandinavia and Germany, and recently started picking up in the United States. It's easy to do - get suited up, plug in your music, grab a plastic bag and gloves, start running and collect trash as you go.

Image Credit: Lifesum

As a bonus, each time you bend down to grab something, you burn off extra calories and strengthen your legs. You're essentially doing a squat each time. According to the Swedish based fitness app Lifesum that made it possible for users to track plogging activity - a half hour of jogging plus picking up task will burn 288 calories for the average person, as compared with 235 calories burned by only jogging.

Image Credit: @ploggersofindia / via instagram.com

Overall, it is a great deal, you get to spend time outdoors and make the world a better place. If you can find a group of friends to do it with, you can make it into a fun challenge to see who can collect the most trash. You can even get some plogging in while you're out walking your dog. Besides, don't we all get disturbed by the heaps of carelessly dropped plastic bottles and tissue papers as we walk or jog around Singapore?

Image Credit: #ploggers / via instagram.com

Whether it's walking or jogging, anyone can take part in plogging. You can aim to plog at least once a month, and then continue to do it at least once a week. Once you've collected the litter, be sure to sort them into recyclables and trash. You can also get your family involved in plogging. So, put on your running shoes, grab a bag and remember to tag your photos with #plogging to help the craze catch on faster in Singapore! In the meantime, check out some of SAFRA's unique workout experiences such as Floatfit & Yoga.